Chapter 4

“It’s cold to be outside,” a voice said, at Jenny’s back. “We could have snow falling before midnight.”

Jenny stopped typing on her phone and turned around to find Georgina Eastland, the gym teacher smiling at her.

Jenny shrugged, “I prefer the cold rather than the looks of pity.”

“They mean well. I assure you,” Georgina said. “Most of the teachers are good people. Just give them some time”

Jenny nodded, “I know, but even so, I prefer to be alone.”

“I remember you, Jenny Craig. You used to be part of the gymnastics team.”

“Actually, I was the captain. It seems it happened in another life,” Jenny looked Georgina in the eyes, and added, “I remember you, too. You used to be a very different person when I was a student.”

“I was a true bitch, you can say it,” Georgina’s smile grew wider.

Both women laughed.

“Finding the love of my life changed me for the best,” Georgina confessed.

Jenny nodded and ate a bite of her sandwich.

“Would you mind if I sit on your side?” Georgina pointed at the empty bench beside Jenny’s wheelchair.

Jenny shook her head.

“Who is he?” Georgina added, tilting her chin at Jenny’s phone.

“Who is who?” Jenny asked, trying to hide the phone from Georgina’s view.

“Whoever has had you smiling for the last few minutes,” Georgina nodded toward the phone, gripped tightly in Jenny’s hand. “You have barely touched your sandwich. I recognize the symptoms— you’re lovesick.”

Jenny bit her bottom lip, doubting. The question felt awkward coming from a colleague who was merely an acquaintance, but it didn’t. She needed a fresh perspective.

“You can tell me to just mind my own business, if I am being nosy,” Georgina added.

Jenny still doubted.

“Sometimes, it’s easier to open up to a stranger, than tell a friend or a family member, and deal with their expectations.”

“You’re right about that.” Jenny closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them up, she had made a decision.

“I chatted with a stranger last night,” she blurted out. “I had fun ... I haven’t had much fun since...”

“Since you end up in a wheelchair,” Georgina completed the sentence for her. Jenny blushed and nodded.

“He is funny, witty, and makes me laugh.”

“Sounds like a good start. My husband Daniel is pretty much like that.”

“He doesn’t know I am a handicapped person. We chatted, and he flirted with me. It made me feel ... Jenny. Not the girl in a wheelchair.”

“I can imagine how you feel. I was labeled, too in the past. It’s hard for people to see beyond that label.”

Jenny sighed. “Let me tell you a brutal truth. The chances of a man freaking out based on my disability are highly probable. It’s sad, unfair, and disrespectful, but it is true.”

Georgina nodded and squeezed Jenny’s hand.

“You didn’t tell him you were in a wheelchair.”

Jenny shook her head. “No, I was having fun and didn’t want to ruin the moment. Besides, he was a stranger I chatted with online.”

“Which means you’ll probably never chat with him again.”

“Well, the thing is he gave me his number.”

“Oh! He is interested in you. Are you going to call him?”